What I learned from my Korean lash lift experience

by Loreta Jasilionyte

I've always avoided wearing mascara and eyeliner because they didn't do much for my naturally straight lashes. In fact, I spent years convinced that lash extensions were not for me until 2025. By then, I'd seen these gorgeous, softly lifted results online and was curious: could a Korean lash lift finally give my round eyes the effortless, elegant boost they'd been missing?

Curious (and hopeful), I made an appointment at a reputable Korean lash salon. I wanted something that would gently open up my round eyes without requiring a complicated routine.

Little did I know that the Korean lash lift would become one of the best beauty decisions I'd ever made, both in terms of confidence and easy mornings.

What is the Korean lash lift & what makes it different?

If you’ve followed my lash journey, you might remember my first lash lift and tint experience. But the Korean lash lift was an entirely different experience.

Unlike traditional lash lifts, which use lash lift glue to attach your lashes to silicone shields, the Korean technique employs a clever twist: they combine a gentle, cysteamine-based lifting lotion with a special viscosity powder (such as MIX&FIX) to create a soft, creamy balm.

This mixture is then applied directly to your lashes while they are flat against the silicone shield, ensuring that they remain perfectly in place without the use of traditional glue.

Here’s what else makes it stand out:

Healthier for natural lashes: Cysteamine lotions are far less drying than traditional thioglycolic acid (TGA) formulas, which reduces the risk of brittleness or breakage.
Hydrating from start to finish: Treatments often include hyaluronic acid, collagen, and keratin to nourish your lashes during the process.
Highly customizable: Korean lash artists have access to dozens of shield shapes and curl styles (some salons have up to 20!) so they can tailor the lift to your specific eye shape and lash type.
No glue means less irritation: The balm consistency keeps everything in place and is also beginner-friendly for lash techs, reducing slips and accidental messes.
Faster and cleaner application: Because traditional lash glue is not required, artists save time and have a much easier cleanup.

All of this means that a Korean lash lift is more than just about looks; it is also about lash health. That's what made me so eager to try it.

Korean lash lift technique & review

From the moment I settled into the salon chair, I could tell this was going to be different. The lash artist guided me through each step, ensuring that it felt completely customized.

Clean & prep: The artist thoroughly cleansed my lashes to remove oils or leftover mascara.
Custom curl placement: Rather than immediately gluing my lashes to the silicone shields, she chose a curl shape that complemented my round eyes and laid them flat against the shield.
Mixing the magic balm: This was the game-changer. She mixed the cysteamine-based lifting lotion with a viscosity control powder in her small dish to create a creamy balm. My lashes stayed in place without the use of any additional lash glue.
Application: She carefully applied this balm to my lashes. Because it's thicker, it didn't drip into my eyes, and it actually helped keep the lashes on the shield without any glue.
Steam effect: A gentle cling film wrap helped to seal in heat for an even lift.
Fix and nourish: After processing, she used a similar mixture for the fixing lotion and finished with a nourishing cocktail of keratin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid.

I couldn't believe how gentle it all felt; no stinging, no tight glue sensation. The entire session lasted less than 90 minutes and cost around £60, and I left with softly lifted lashes that required no mascara. A total win for low-maintenance elegance.

Before and after Korean lash lift

To be honest, I went into my appointment feeling both excited and nervous. My biggest fear? That my naturally straight lashes were too stubborn to curl, or worse, that I'd come out looking cartoonishly overdone.

I'd also read about brittle lashes after traditional lifts, so I was relieved to learn that this Korean method combined cysteamine-based lotions with a special balm mix, which was much gentler on the hair.

Before the treatment:

My natural lashes were short, straight, and so fine at the tips that without mascara, they were almost invisible. Even when I used lash curlers, the curl would drop flat in less than an hour. It was so frustrating that I stopped using mascara altogether.

After the treatment:

My lashes looked noticeably longer and darker (even without a tint) and had this elegant, lifted curve. Instead of sticking straight out like little broom bristles, they now formed a soft, fluttery frame around my eyes. It was dramatic enough to turn heads, yet still so natural that people just assumed I’d found an amazing new mascara.

Friends noticed right away. I received comments such as, "Your eyes look so big today!" and "Wait, did you get lash extensions?" The difference was so obvious that even quick phone selfies showed it.

The best part? Unlike with extensions, I could rub my eyes, shower, and sleep face down without worry. No stiff glue or rigid setting, just a clever balm technique and plenty of nourishing serums to keep my lashes healthy.

The treatment cost around £65 (plus a small tip). Considering how gentle it was and how healthy my lashes still feel, I’d say it’s absolutely worth a try if you’re even slightly curious.

Lash aftercare: serums, oils, and lash artist tips

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that aftercare can make or break your lash lift. The Korean lash lift may be gentler, but your natural lashes still require some aftercare routine to stay healthy and maintain that beautiful curl for as long as possible. Here’s what worked for me:

Right after your lift:

Avoid water, steam, saunas, and excessive sweating for the first 24 hours to allow the lift to fully set.
Skip eye makeup for the day, and especially mascara.

Ongoing care:

Use a lash-safe serum to keep your natural lashes hydrated and strong. Look for oil-free formulas that won't weaken the lift.
If you enjoy using nourishing oils, apply them sparingly and avoid getting them too close to the lash line in the first few weeks.
Brush your lashes gently with a clean spoolie daily to keep them neat and separate.

Expert tip:

Choose a certified lash artist who specializes in Korean lash-lifting techniques. They'll use safer formulas, tailor the curl to your eye shape, and provide personalized aftercare advice to keep your lashes healthy and lifted for longer.

It’s all about protecting your investment. With proper care, my lift stayed beautifully curled for 6-8 weeks, which was far longer than I expected - my routine went from 10 minutes to 2, and I’ve loved how it draws attention to my eyes without heavy makeup.

Final thoughts

Looking back, I am honestly so glad I tried the Korean lash lift. It gave my naturally straight lashes a soft, elegant curve that widened my round eyes without the hassle of mascara or lash curlers. This method felt much healthier for my natural lashes than the Western lash lifts I'd tried before.

Plus, the glueless approach with viscosity powder meant zero crunchy residue and lashes that still felt like my own. The end result was long-lasting, effortless elegance, which I'd gladly recommend to clients seeking subtle, fresh beauty without the commitment (or cost) of extensions.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. It's my new little confidence booster. A Korean lash lift may become your favorite beauty secret if you're looking for a subtle, low-maintenance way to highlight your eyes while remaining natural.